Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4

The world's first diesel hybrid.

It isn't the cutest-looking car on the planet, but this Peugeot starts a new chapter in European motoring due to its combination of a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter 163-bhp HDi diesel engine with a 37-hp electric motor. Unlike previous hybrids that have utilized a gasoline engine, the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4's diesel engine provides superior combined drive cycle fuel consumption of 62 mpg on a U.S. gallon and CO2 emissions of 99 g/km.

In terms of performance, the Peugeot benefits from the combined power of the diesel engine and electric motor during acceleration, with a maximum combined 200 horsepower and torque of 368 lb.-ft. (the latter split at 221 lb.-ft. to the front via the diesel engine and 147 lb.-ft. at the rear generated by the electric motor). A selector allows the driver to choose among Auto, ZEV, Four-wheel drive and Sport modes.

The 3008 HYbrid4 also brings Peugeot's second-generation stop/start technology as well as an electronically controlled sequential-manual gearbox; the latter could be the car's Achilles' heel in terms of smooth driving.